11 October 2012

The Saatchi Gallery

I went on a trip to London a few weeks ago and one of the things I wanted to do was to visit some museums/galleries. Admission is usually free {except for some special exhibitions} which is TADA!, right? The quiet time for a few hours is another TADA!, plus you'll never know what you may find.

I've been curious about the Saatchi Gallery, primarily because I used to work at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising. One of the founders of the ad agency, Charles Saatchi, is an art collector and he opened the Saatchi Gallery to showcase his collection.

The gallery, which was once located in London's South Bank, sits in a new home on King's Road {near Sloane Square}.

However, Charles Saatchi's art collection is not on display. Instead, the gallery is a venue for young artists or international artists whose work have not been exhibited in the United Kingdom. What a great opportunity for them to launch their art!

It puts the spotlight on contemporary art and the exhibits change quickly.

When I was there, "Korean Eye" was featured. It's a collection of works by contemporary Korean painters, sculptors and photographers.

A closer look at the same piece. I did make me wonder, though, how long the artist collected these objects. Were these his? Were they inherited? Did he collect them from strangers? It's art that makes you think. ;-)

These are portraits made with graphite and charcoal. At first glace they look very serious and traditional. But if you stare longer, some frames are deconstructed. I also like that the pieces of cloth {from the veil, dress or blanket} extend outside the frame.

To be totally honest, I have mixed feelings about contemporary art. Some confuse me, and some make me think twice whether these can be considered art. But hey, based on this exhibition, I think I'm starting to appreciate it!

2 comments:

Contemporary art always made me think of an episode happened at a Contemporary Museum we have - www.museuberardo.pt. Myth or not story says that there was an exhibition which one piece consisted in a sink destroyed in a corner. In the morning the services cleaned it up to the outrage of the artist and Museum curators. She must have thought "if it looks like garbabe... better pick it up hum hum"

I guess the main objective was achieved in you. To make think twice... before picking the broom at least ahahahahThank you for sharing!